Hepatitis A update

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreak in Michigan continues and now includes 804 confirmed cases resulting in 25 deaths. The outbreak is now widespread throughout the state, but most cases have occurred in Macomb, Detroit City, Wayne, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. The majority of patients in this outbreak have risk factors of homelessness and/or substance use, although many patients have no known risk factors. Twenty health care workers have been infected with hepatitis A as part of this outbreak. In addition, 34 food handlers have been infected, resulting in exposures at several restaurants throughout southeast Michigan. Additional information about the outbreak can be found by clicking here.

Given the ongoing HAV burden in the community and reports of health care worker infection at other facilities, the organization is encouraging hepatitis A vaccination for nonimmune* health care workers who have direct contact with patients and those who may potentially come into contact with infected stool or vomitus. Nonimmune workers have not had two doses of hepatitis A vaccine OR have not had hepatitis A infection.

Plumbers and other maintenance workers who come into contact with waste pipes

Food service workers

In order to ensure full immunity to hepatitis A, a second dose of vaccine is recommended 6 months or longer after the first dose.

Michigan Medicine workforce members are able to receive the hepatitis A vaccine free of charge from

Occupational Health Services (OHS). This is a walk-in service offered Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

OHS is offering the second dose of hepatitis A vaccine to those who have already received the first dose, but receipt of the second dose is considered non-urgent and can typically wait until other routine follow-up in OHS (i.e., annual visit for TB testing).

The Michigan Medicine Web site does not provide specific medical advice and does not endorse any medical or professional service obtained through information provided on this site or any links to this site.